[go: up one dir, main page]

EP2012999A1 - Procedure for the manufacturing of a plastic container, preform for the manufacturing of a plastic container, and plastic container - Google Patents

Procedure for the manufacturing of a plastic container, preform for the manufacturing of a plastic container, and plastic container

Info

Publication number
EP2012999A1
EP2012999A1 EP07724515A EP07724515A EP2012999A1 EP 2012999 A1 EP2012999 A1 EP 2012999A1 EP 07724515 A EP07724515 A EP 07724515A EP 07724515 A EP07724515 A EP 07724515A EP 2012999 A1 EP2012999 A1 EP 2012999A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
preform
polystyrene
stretch
blow molding
plastic
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP07724515A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2012999B1 (en
Inventor
Robert Siegl
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP2012999A1 publication Critical patent/EP2012999A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2012999B1 publication Critical patent/EP2012999B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/08—Biaxial stretching during blow-moulding
    • B29C49/10—Biaxial stretching during blow-moulding using mechanical means for prestretching
    • B29C49/12—Stretching rods
    • B29C49/121—Stretching rod configuration, e.g. geometry; Stretching rod material
    • B29C49/1212—Stretching rod configuration, e.g. geometry; Stretching rod material the stretching rod comprising at least one opening on the surface, e.g. through which compressed air is blown into the preform to expand the same
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/0005—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor characterised by the material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/071—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration, e.g. geometry, dimensions or physical properties
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/78—Measuring, controlling or regulating
    • B29C49/783—Measuring, controlling or regulating blowing pressure
    • B29C2049/7831—Measuring, controlling or regulating blowing pressure characterised by pressure values or ranges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/78—Measuring, controlling or regulating
    • B29C2049/7879—Stretching, e.g. stretch rod
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
    • B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
    • B29C2949/076—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape
    • B29C2949/0768—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform
    • B29C2949/077—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform characterised by the neck
    • B29C2949/0772—Closure retaining means
    • B29C2949/0773—Threads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
    • B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
    • B29C2949/081—Specified dimensions, e.g. values or ranges
    • B29C2949/0811—Wall thickness
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
    • B29C2949/20—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer
    • B29C2949/22—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer at neck portion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
    • B29C2949/20—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer
    • B29C2949/24—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer at flange portion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
    • B29C2949/20—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer
    • B29C2949/26—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer at body portion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
    • B29C2949/20—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer
    • B29C2949/28—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer at bottom portion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
    • B29C2949/30—Preforms or parisons made of several components
    • B29C2949/3024—Preforms or parisons made of several components characterised by the number of components or by the manufacturing technique
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/08—Biaxial stretching during blow-moulding
    • B29C49/087—Means for providing controlled or limited stretch ratio
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2025/00—Use of polymers of vinyl-aromatic compounds or derivatives thereof as moulding material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
    • B29K2105/04—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped cellular or porous

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for producing a container made of plastic, in particular a plastic bottle, in a stretch blow molding according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to a suitable for the stretch blow molding preform of polystyrene.
  • plastic containers The usual in the past containers made of white or stained, glass or ceramic are increasingly being replaced by plastic containers.
  • plastic containers are used for the packaging of pourable media, such as cleaning utensils, personal care products, cosmetics, automotive media, etc.
  • the low weight and the lower costs certainly play a significant role in this substitution.
  • the use of recyclable plastic materials and the overall more favorable overall energy balance in their production also contribute to the consumer's acceptance of plastic containers, in particular of plastic bottles.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • injection stretch blow molding process a PET preform is first produced in an injection molding process in an injection mold.
  • flow molding processes have also been proposed for the production of preforms.
  • the preform has a substantially elongated, cylindrical body and is formed closed at one longitudinal end.
  • a support ring separates the body from a neck portion with a pouring spout.
  • the neck portion usually already has the later shape of the bottle neck.
  • threaded portions or the like are already formed for the determination of a closure part.
  • the preform is demoulded after its manufacture and immediately further processed or stored for later processing on a blow molding machine.
  • the preform Before the next Processing in a blow molding machine, the preform is conditioned if necessary; then it is introduced into a blow mold of a blow molding machine.
  • the preform In the blow mold, the preform is finally inflated by a gas injected with excess pressure in accordance with the mold cavity and additionally drawn with a stretching mandrel.
  • An injection blow molding process is also already known in which the blowing process takes place directly after the injection of the preform.
  • the preform remains on the injection core, which also forms the stretching mandrel.
  • the preform is in turn inflated by overpressure according to the mold cavity of a blow mold, which is delivered to the injection core or vice versa, and thereby stretched by the mandrel. Afterwards, the finished plastic bottle is removed from the mold.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PET is valued because of its degree of crystallization which can be influenced by stretching and its relatively low material costs.
  • PET has a relatively low strength, which is why the wall thicknesses of PET bottles must not fall below certain minimum values.
  • polystyrene is envisaged, which has a density of only 1.05 g / cm 3 . By foaming polystyrene significantly lower densities can be achieved.
  • Polystyrene has proven itself many times in the packaging industry and has advantages over other plastic materials, especially in food packaging. For example, it is resistant to gamma radiation and thus enables radiation sterilization. Because of its biodegradability, polystyrene is also ecologically of interest. In combination with elastomers, polystyrene is an impact-resistant material that withstands adverse conditions. Containers made of polystyrene are usually injection molded or produced by Thermof ormen.
  • the object of the present invention is to modify a stretch blow molding method for producing containers, in particular plastic bottles, in such a way that while polystyrene is processed as a material. It is also intended to provide a polystyrene preform for the manufacture of plastic bottles which is suitable for use in a stretch blow molding process.
  • a preform made of polystyrene is heated and introduced into a mold cavity of a blow mold of a stretch blow molding.
  • the preform is inflated by an over-pressure gas, usually air, according to the mold cavity of the blow mold and thereby stretched by a stretching mandrel.
  • the finished inflated container is removed from the mold.
  • the inventive method is characterized in particular by the fact that a preform made of polystyrene is introduced into the mold cavity, which has been produced with an average wall thickness of 1.6 mm to 3.4 mm, and the stretch blow molding of the preform at a blast temperature of 125 ° C to 140 0 C is performed.
  • the relatively low average wall thickness of the preform leads to a significant weight reduction with comparable properties of the container produced, in particular a plastic bottle.
  • the smaller average wall thickness of the preform also has advantages in terms of the energy requirement of the process by the preform can be brought faster to the required temperature for the blowing and stretching process (glass transition temperature TG). Because of the smaller wall thickness and the risk of a temperature gradient of the Preformaussenseite is significantly reduced to its inside. The heating process is faster and reduces the risk of local charring of the material. This is also supported by the fact that the stretch blow molding at a blast temperature of only 125 ° C to 140 ° C. is carried out. The temperature is above the glass transition temperature and ensures unobstructed biaxial stretching of the polystyrene chains.
  • HIPS High Impact Polystyrene HIPS
  • plastic bottles that are crystal clear (polystyrene homopolymer) or have only slightly milky haze (HIPS).
  • the bottles have an attractive appearance and have only a negligible influence on the color of the contents filled in the bottle. They are stable and have an increased impact resistance, especially in the case of HIPS.
  • polystyrene also offers the possibility of foaming.
  • the density is significantly reduced. Because of the use of foamed polystyrene, the preforms can be produced even with the usual average wall thicknesses with significantly less material, which has an advantageous effect on the manufacturing costs of plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles.
  • the global draw ratio defines the product of the radial draw ratio and the longitudinal draw ratio, wherein the radial draw ratio is given by the diameter of the inflated container to the mean preform diameter, and the longitudinal draw ratio is defined as the ratio of the length of the container body to the length of the preform is.
  • the neck portion of the container or of the preform which is outside the mold cavity in the stretch blow molding process, is not taken into account.
  • sufficient orientation of the polystyrene necessary to obtain the required stiffness and strength properties of the container is achievable.
  • the longitudinal stretching is advantageously carried out in such a way that the longitudinal stretch ratio is about 1 to 4.
  • the stretch blow molding is advantageously performed such that the radial stretch ratio is about 1.5-4.
  • the stretching of the preform takes place with the aid of a stretching mandrel, which is preferably positioned by a cylinder.
  • the stretching mandrel can also be positioned via curve segments and gripping rollers.
  • the positioning of the stretching mandrel is described, for example, in DE 195 45024, which is hereby made an integral part of the disclosure, in connection with the production of PET bottles in the stretch-blown method. While the stretch blow molding process described there can also be carried out in conjunction with polystyrene, it should be noted that the parameters given there are only valid for PET preforms.
  • the stretching speed which is the speed with which the mandrel is moved in the direction of the bottom of the mold cavity after being placed on the bottom of the preform, is advantageously chosen to be greater than 0.5 m / s. It proves to be an advantage if a value from the interval of 0.5 m / s to 2 m / s is selected for the stretching speed.
  • the expansion of the preform during the stretch blow molding is usually carried out by compressed air. It may be advantageous if, depending on the product, different blowing phases are distinguished. Usually, the expansion of the preform to the finished container takes place after a precisely predetermined Blastikverlauf. It proves to be advantageous in the inventive method, if the maximum blowing pressure from the interval of 1 bar to 12 bar is selected.
  • a polystyrene preform for producing a plastic container, in particular a plastic bottle, in a stretch blow molding method has a rigid, substantially elongate body which is closed at one longitudinal end and adjoins at its opposite longitudinal end a neck portion provided with a pour opening.
  • the body of the preform is preferably separated from the body by a radially projecting, flange-like support ring.
  • the preform according to the invention is made of a polystyrene selected from the group consisting of lystyrene homopolymer and styrene butadiene copolymer (HIPS) and has an average wall thickness of 1.6 mm - 3.4 mm.
  • polystyrene has a significantly lower density than PET.
  • the reduction of the average wall thickness of the preform leads to a significant weight reduction with comparable properties of the container produced, in particular a plastic bottle.
  • the relatively low average wall thickness of the preform proves to be advantageous in terms of the energy requirements for the stretch blow molding process by the preform can be brought faster to the required temperature for the blowing and stretching process (glass transition temperature TG). Due to the small wall thickness, the risk of a temperature gradient from the outside of the preform to its inside is also significantly reduced. The heating process can be carried out more quickly with the preform according to the invention, and the risk of local charring of the material is reduced.
  • Preforms made of polystyrene homopolymer or styrene butadiene copolymer are characterized by a high impact resistance. They are almost crystal clear (polystyrene homopolymer) and have, if at all, only a slight milky cloudiness (HIPS).
  • polystyrene as a material for the preforms also offers the possibility of foaming. Foaming not only reduces the density of the material and thus the weight of the preforms. Foamed preforms allow the
  • plastic containers whose walls diffuse a large part of the incident UV radiation and the visible light diffusely.
  • Made of foamed polystyrene container wall forms a very good UV and light barrier.
  • plastic containers made of foamed polystyrene are also very well suited for the storage of light- and radiation-sensitive products, such as milk or the like.
  • the wall of foamed polystyrene has also a significantly reduced thermal conductivity. As a result, housed in such plastic containers products, such as food, stay fresh longer.
  • foamed polystyrene preforms Another advantage of foamed polystyrene preforms is that foaming reduces the density of the styrene below 1 g / cm 3 .
  • Plastic containers produced from such foamed preforms can therefore very easily be separated from PET containers in the so-called sink float process. This is ecologically very desirable and facilitates the recycling of plastic containers.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Geometry (AREA)
  • Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
  • Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a procedure for the manufacturing of a plastic container, in particular a plastic bottle, in which a preform that has been made from polystyrene is heated and inserted into a form cavity of a blow mold of a stretch blow molding machine. There the preform is blown by means of a high pressure gas, usually air, according to the form cavity of the blow form and thereby lengthened by means of a stretch rod. The finished blown container is removed from the form. The procedure according to the invention is in particular characterized by the facts that a preform made from polystyrene, which is made with an average wall thickness of approximately 1.6 mm to 3.4 mm, is inserted in the form cavity and that the stretch blow procedure of the preform is conducted at a temperature of 125 °C to 140 °C. The present invention also relates to an appropriate preform made from special polystyrenes.

Description

VERFAHREN ZUR HERSTELLUNG EINES BEHÄLTERS AUS KUNSTSTOFF, VORFORMLING ZUR HERSTELLUNG EINES KUNSTSTOFFBEHÄLTERS SOWIE KUNSTSTOFFBEHÄLTERMETHOD FOR PRODUCING A PLASTIC CONTAINER, PREPARATION FOR MAKING A PLASTIC CONTAINER AND PLASTIC CONTAINER

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Behälters aus Kunststoff, insbesondere einer Kunststoffflasche, in einem Streckblasverfahren gemäss dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1. Die Erfindung betrifft auch einen für das Streckblasverfahren geeigneten Pref orm aus Polystyrol.The invention relates to a method for producing a container made of plastic, in particular a plastic bottle, in a stretch blow molding according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a suitable for the stretch blow molding preform of polystyrene.

Die in der Vergangenheit üblichen Behältnisse aus Weiss- oder Buntblech, aus Glas oder auch aus Keramik werden in zunehmendem Masse von Behältnissen aus Kunststoff abgelöst. Insbesondere für die Verpackung von schüttfähige Medien, beispielsweise von Reinigungsutensilien, Körperpflegemitteln, Kosmetika, Kfz-Medien, usw., kommen hauptsächlich Kunststoffbehältnisse zum Einsatz. Das geringe Gewicht und die geringeren Kosten spielen sicher eine nicht unerhebliche Rolle bei dieser Substitu- tion. Die Verwendung rezyklierbarer Kunststoffmaterialien und die insgesamt günstigere Gesamtenergiebilanz bei ihrer Herstellung tragen auch dazu bei, die Akzeptanz von Kunststoffbehältnissen, insbesondere von Kunststoffflaschen, beim Konsumenten zu fördern.The usual in the past containers made of white or stained, glass or ceramic are increasingly being replaced by plastic containers. In particular, for the packaging of pourable media, such as cleaning utensils, personal care products, cosmetics, automotive media, etc., mainly plastic containers are used. The low weight and the lower costs certainly play a significant role in this substitution. The use of recyclable plastic materials and the overall more favorable overall energy balance in their production also contribute to the consumer's acceptance of plastic containers, in particular of plastic bottles.

Die am häufigsten eingesetzten Kunststoffflaschen bestehen aus Polyethylen- terephthalat (PET) und werden üblicherweise in einem sogenannten Spritzstreckblas- verf ahren hergestellt. Bei diesen Verfahren handelt es sich um eine Kombination aus Spritzgiessen und Blasformen. Dabei wird zunächst in einem Spritzgiessprozess in einer Spritzform ein PET-Pref orm hergestellt. Neuerdings sind auch Fliesspressverfah- ren zur Herstellung von Pref orms vorgeschlagen worden. Der Pref orm weist einen im wesentlichen länglichen, zylindrischen Körper auf und ist an einem Längsende geschlossen ausgebildet. Ein Supportring trennt den Körper von einem Halsabschnitt mit einer Ausgiessöffnung. Der Halsabschnitt weist üblicherweise bereits die spätere Form des Flaschenhalses auf. An der Aussenseite des Halsabschnitts sind bereits Gewinde- abschnitte oder dergleichen für die Festlegung eines Verschlussteils ausgebildet. Der Pref orm wird nach seiner Herstellung entformt und gleich weiterverarbeitet oder für eine spätere Verarbeitung auf einer Blasmaschine zwischengelagert. Vor der Weiter- Verarbeitung in einer Blasmaschine wird der Preform bei Bedarf konditioniert; danach wird er in eine Blasform einer Blasmaschine eingebracht. In der Blasform wird der Preform schliesslich durch ein mit Überdruck eingeblasenes Gas gemäss der Formkavität aufgeblasen und dabei zusätzlich mit einem Reckdorn verstreckt. Es ist auch bereits ein Spritzblasverfahren bekannt, bei dem der Blasprozess direkt anschliessend an das Spritzen des Pref orms erfolgt. Der Preform verbleibt dabei auf dem Spritzkern, der zugleich den Reckdorn bildet. Der Preform wird wiederum durch Überdruck gemäss der Formkavität einer Blasform, die auf den Spritzkern zugestellt wird oder umgekehrt, aufgeblasen und dabei vom Reckdorn verstreckt. Danach wird die fertige Kunst- stoffflasche entformt.The most commonly used plastic bottles are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and are usually manufactured in a so-called injection stretch blow molding process. These methods are a combination of injection molding and blow molding. In this case, a PET preform is first produced in an injection molding process in an injection mold. Lately, flow molding processes have also been proposed for the production of preforms. The preform has a substantially elongated, cylindrical body and is formed closed at one longitudinal end. A support ring separates the body from a neck portion with a pouring spout. The neck portion usually already has the later shape of the bottle neck. On the outside of the neck portion threaded portions or the like are already formed for the determination of a closure part. The preform is demoulded after its manufacture and immediately further processed or stored for later processing on a blow molding machine. Before the next Processing in a blow molding machine, the preform is conditioned if necessary; then it is introduced into a blow mold of a blow molding machine. In the blow mold, the preform is finally inflated by a gas injected with excess pressure in accordance with the mold cavity and additionally drawn with a stretching mandrel. An injection blow molding process is also already known in which the blowing process takes place directly after the injection of the preform. The preform remains on the injection core, which also forms the stretching mandrel. The preform is in turn inflated by overpressure according to the mold cavity of a blow mold, which is delivered to the injection core or vice versa, and thereby stretched by the mandrel. Afterwards, the finished plastic bottle is removed from the mold.

Das am häufigsten für die Herstellung von Kunststoffbehältern, insbesondere Kunststoff flaschen, eingesetzte Material ist Polyethylenterephthalat (PET). PET wird wegen seines durch das Verstrecken beeinflussbaren Kristallisationsgrads und wegen seiner relativ niedrigen Materialkosten geschätzt. Andererseits weist PET eine relativ niedrige Festigkeit auf, weshalb die Wandstärken von PET-Flaschen gewisse Mindestwerte nicht unterschreiten dürfen. Im Zusammenhang mit der Dichte von PET von etwa 1.33 g/cm3 weisen PET-Flaschen daher immer noch ein verhältnismässig grosses Gewicht auf. Jüngst sind daher auch schon Überlegungen angestellt worden, das PET durch ein Material niedrigerer Dichte zu ersetzen. Dabei wird insbesondere Polystyrol ins Auge gefasst, welches eine Dichte von nur 1.05 g/cm3 aufweist. Durch Schäumen von Polystyrol sind noch deutlich geringere Dichten erzielbar. Polystyrol ist in der Verpak- kungsindustrie vielfach bewährt und weist insbesondere in der Lebensmittelverpak- kung Vorteile gegenüber anderen Kunststoffmaterialien auf. So ist es beispielsweise beständig gegenüber Gamma-Strahlung und ermöglicht dadurch eine Strahlungssterilisation. Wegen seiner biologischen Abbaubarkeit ist Polystyrol auch ökologisch von Interesse. In Verbindung mit Elastomeren wird Polystyrol zu einem schlagfesten Material, das auch widrigen Beanspruchungen standhält. Behälter aus Polystyrol werden üblicherweise spritzgegossen oder durch Thermof ormen hergestellt.The most commonly used for the production of plastic containers, especially plastic bottles, used material is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is valued because of its degree of crystallization which can be influenced by stretching and its relatively low material costs. On the other hand, PET has a relatively low strength, which is why the wall thicknesses of PET bottles must not fall below certain minimum values. In connection with the density of PET of about 1.33 g / cm 3 PET bottles therefore still have a relatively large weight. Therefore, recent considerations have been made to replace the PET by a material of lower density. In particular, polystyrene is envisaged, which has a density of only 1.05 g / cm 3 . By foaming polystyrene significantly lower densities can be achieved. Polystyrene has proven itself many times in the packaging industry and has advantages over other plastic materials, especially in food packaging. For example, it is resistant to gamma radiation and thus enables radiation sterilization. Because of its biodegradability, polystyrene is also ecologically of interest. In combination with elastomers, polystyrene is an impact-resistant material that withstands adverse conditions. Containers made of polystyrene are usually injection molded or produced by Thermof ormen.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, ein Streckblasverfahren zur Herstellung von Behältern, insbesondere Kunststoffflaschen, dahingehend zu modifizieren, dass dabei auch Polystyrol als Material verarbeitbar ist. Es soll auch ein Preform aus Polystyrol für die Herstellung von Kunststoffflaschen geschaffen werden, der für die Verwendung in einem Streckblasverfahren geeignet ist.The object of the present invention is to modify a stretch blow molding method for producing containers, in particular plastic bottles, in such a way that while polystyrene is processed as a material. It is also intended to provide a polystyrene preform for the manufacture of plastic bottles which is suitable for use in a stretch blow molding process.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe besteht in einem Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Behälters aus Kunststoff, insbesondere einer Kunststoffflasche, in einem Streckblasverfahren, welches die im kennzeichnenden Abschnitt des Patentanspruchs 1 angeführten Merkmale aufweist. Weiterbildungen und/ oder vorteilhafte Ausführungsvarianten der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Patentansprüche.The solution to this problem consists in a method for producing a container made of plastic, in particular a plastic bottle, in a stretch-blow molding process, which has the stated in the characterizing portion of claim 1 features. Further developments and / or advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Bei dem erf indungsgemässen Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Kunststoffbehälters, insbesondere einer Kunststoffflasche, wird ein aus Polystyrol hergestellter Preform erwärmt und in eine Formkavität einer Blasform einer Streckblasanordnung eingebracht. Dort wird der Preform durch ein mit Überdruck eingeblasenes Gas, üblicher- weise Luft, gemäss der Formkavität der Blasform aufgeblasen und dabei durch einen Reckdorn verstreckt. Der fertig aufgeblasene Behälter wird entformt. Das erfindungs- gemässe Verfahren zeichnet sich insbesondere dadurch aus, dass ein Preform aus Polystyrol in die Formkavität eingebracht wird, der mit einer mittleren Wandstärke von 1.6 mm bis 3.4 mm hergestellt worden ist, und der Streckblasvorgang des Preforms bei einer Blastemperatur von 125°C bis 1400C durchgeführt wird.In the erf indungsgemässen method for producing a plastic container, in particular a plastic bottle, a preform made of polystyrene is heated and introduced into a mold cavity of a blow mold of a stretch blow molding. There, the preform is inflated by an over-pressure gas, usually air, according to the mold cavity of the blow mold and thereby stretched by a stretching mandrel. The finished inflated container is removed from the mold. The inventive method is characterized in particular by the fact that a preform made of polystyrene is introduced into the mold cavity, which has been produced with an average wall thickness of 1.6 mm to 3.4 mm, and the stretch blow molding of the preform at a blast temperature of 125 ° C to 140 0 C is performed.

Zusätzlich zu der deutlich geringeren Dichte von Polystyrol gegenüber PET führt die relativ geringe mittlere Wandstärke des Preforms zu einer deutlichen Gewichtsreduktion bei vergleichbaren Eigenschaften des hergestellten Behälters, insbesondere einer Kunststoffflasche. Die geringere mittlere Wandstärke des Preforms hat auch Vorteile hinsichtlich des Energiebedarfs des Verfahrens, indem der Preform schneller auf die für den Blas- und Reckvorgang erforderliche Temperatur (Glasumwandlungstemperatur TG) gebracht werden kann. Wegen der geringeren Wandstärke ist auch die Gefahr eines Temperaturgradienten von der Preformaussenseite zu seiner Innenseite deutlich verringert. Der Aufheizvorgang ist schneller durchführbar und die Gefahr von lokalen Verkohlungen des Materials verringert. Dies wird auch noch dadurch unterstützt, dass der Streckblasvorgang bei einer Blastemperatur von nur 125°C bis 140°C durchgeführt wird. Die Temperatur liegt über der Glasumwandlungstemperatur und gewährleistet ein ungehindertes biaxiales Strecken der Polystyrolketten.In addition to the significantly lower density of polystyrene compared to PET, the relatively low average wall thickness of the preform leads to a significant weight reduction with comparable properties of the container produced, in particular a plastic bottle. The smaller average wall thickness of the preform also has advantages in terms of the energy requirement of the process by the preform can be brought faster to the required temperature for the blowing and stretching process (glass transition temperature TG). Because of the smaller wall thickness and the risk of a temperature gradient of the Preformaussenseite is significantly reduced to its inside. The heating process is faster and reduces the risk of local charring of the material. This is also supported by the fact that the stretch blow molding at a blast temperature of only 125 ° C to 140 ° C. is carried out. The temperature is above the glass transition temperature and ensures unobstructed biaxial stretching of the polystyrene chains.

Die Verwendung eines Pref orms aus einem Polystyrol aus der Gruppe bestehend aus Polystyrol Homopolymer und Styrol Butadien Copolymer (High Impact Polystyrol HIPS) erlaubt die Herstellung von Kunststoffflaschen, die glasklar sind (Polystyrol Homopolymer) oder eine nur leicht milchige Eintrübung aufweisen (HIPS). Die Flaschen weisen ein ansprechendes Äusseres auf und haben nur einen unwesentlichen Einfluss auf die Farbe des in die Flasche abgefüllten Inhalts. Sie sind stabil und weisen insbesondere im Fall von HIPS eine erhöhte Schlagfestigkeit auf.The use of a polystyrene preform selected from the group consisting of polystyrene homopolymer and styrene butadiene copolymer (High Impact Polystyrene HIPS) allows the production of plastic bottles that are crystal clear (polystyrene homopolymer) or have only slightly milky haze (HIPS). The bottles have an attractive appearance and have only a negligible influence on the color of the contents filled in the bottle. They are stable and have an increased impact resistance, especially in the case of HIPS.

An dieser Stelle wird darauf hingewiesen, dass Polystyrol auch die Möglichkeit des Aufschäumens bietet. Dabei wird die Dichte deutlich verringert. Wegen der Verwendung geschäumten Polystyrols können die Preforms selbst bei den üblichen mittleren Wandstärken mit deutlich weniger Materialeinsatz hergestellt werden, was sich vorteilhaft auf die Herstellkosten der Kunststoffbehälter, insbesondere Kunststoffflaschen, auswirkt.It should be noted at this point that polystyrene also offers the possibility of foaming. The density is significantly reduced. Because of the use of foamed polystyrene, the preforms can be produced even with the usual average wall thicknesses with significantly less material, which has an advantageous effect on the manufacturing costs of plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles.

Es erweist sich von Vorteil, wenn der Streckblasvorgang mit einem globalen Streck- Verhältnis von etwa 4 - 12 durchgeführt wird. Das globale Streckverhältnis definiert als das Produkt aus radialen Streckverhältnis und dem Längsstreckverhältnis, wobei das radiale Streckverhältnis gegeben ist durch das Verhältnis des Durchmessers des aufgeblasenen Behälters zum mittleren Pref ormdurchmesser, und das Längsstreckverhältnis als das Verhältnis der Länge des Behälterkörpers zur Länge des Preformkörpers defi- niert ist. Bei der Längenmessung wird der Halsabschnitt des Behälters bzw. des Preforms, der sich beim Streckblasvorgang ausserhalb der Formkavität befindet, nicht berücksichtigt. Bei dem gewählten globalen Streckverhältnis ist eine ausreichende Orientierung des Polystyrols erzielbar, die für die Erlangung der erforderlichen Steif ig- keits- und Festigkeitseigenschaften des Behälters erforderlich ist.It proves to be an advantage if the stretch blow molding process is carried out with a global stretch ratio of about 4 to 12. The global draw ratio defines the product of the radial draw ratio and the longitudinal draw ratio, wherein the radial draw ratio is given by the diameter of the inflated container to the mean preform diameter, and the longitudinal draw ratio is defined as the ratio of the length of the container body to the length of the preform is. In the length measurement, the neck portion of the container or of the preform, which is outside the mold cavity in the stretch blow molding process, is not taken into account. At the selected global draw ratio, sufficient orientation of the polystyrene necessary to obtain the required stiffness and strength properties of the container is achievable.

Die Längsreckung wird mit Vorteil derart durchgeführt, dass das Längsstreckverhältnis etwa 1 - 4 beträgt. Der Streckblasvorgang wird mit Vorteil derart durchgeführt, dass das radiale Streckverhältnis etwa 1,5 - 4 beträgt.The longitudinal stretching is advantageously carried out in such a way that the longitudinal stretch ratio is about 1 to 4. The stretch blow molding is advantageously performed such that the radial stretch ratio is about 1.5-4.

Die Reckung des Preforms erfolgt mit Hilfe eines Reckdorns, der vorzugsweise von einem Zylinder positioniert wird. Der Reckdorn kann aber auch über Kurvensegmente und Abgriffrollen positioniert werden. Die Positionierung des Reckdorns ist beispielsweise in der DE 195 45024, welche hiermit zum integralen Bestandteil der Offenbarung erklärt wird, im Zusammenhang mit der Herstellung von PET-Flaschen im Streckblasverfahren beschrieben. Während das dort beschriebene Streckblasverfahren auch in Verbindung mit Polystyrol durchführbar ist, ist zu beachten, dass die dort angegebenen Parameter nur für Preforms aus PET Gültigkeit besitzen. Die Reckgeschwindigkeit, das ist die Geschwindigkeit mit der der Reckdorn nach Anlage am Boden des Preforms in Richtung des Bodens der Formkavität verfahren wird, wird mit Vorteil grösser als 0.5 m/s gewählt. Es erweist sich von Vorteil, wenn für die Reckgeschwindigkeit ein Wert aus dem Intervall von 0.5 m/s bis 2 m/s gewählt wird.The stretching of the preform takes place with the aid of a stretching mandrel, which is preferably positioned by a cylinder. The stretching mandrel can also be positioned via curve segments and gripping rollers. The positioning of the stretching mandrel is described, for example, in DE 195 45024, which is hereby made an integral part of the disclosure, in connection with the production of PET bottles in the stretch-blown method. While the stretch blow molding process described there can also be carried out in conjunction with polystyrene, it should be noted that the parameters given there are only valid for PET preforms. The stretching speed, which is the speed with which the mandrel is moved in the direction of the bottom of the mold cavity after being placed on the bottom of the preform, is advantageously chosen to be greater than 0.5 m / s. It proves to be an advantage if a value from the interval of 0.5 m / s to 2 m / s is selected for the stretching speed.

Die Expansion des Preforms während des Streckblasvorgangs erfolgt üblicherweise durch Druckluft. Dabei kann es von Vorteil sein, wenn, je nach Produkt, unterschiedli- che Blasphasen unterschieden werden. Üblicherweise erfolgt die Expansion des Preforms zum fertigen Behälter nach einem genau vorgegebenen Blasdruckverlauf. Dabei erweist es sich bei dem erfindungsgemässen Verfahren von Vorteil, wenn der maximale Blasdruck aus dem Intervall von 1 bar bis 12 bar gewählt wird.The expansion of the preform during the stretch blow molding is usually carried out by compressed air. It may be advantageous if, depending on the product, different blowing phases are distinguished. Usually, the expansion of the preform to the finished container takes place after a precisely predetermined Blasdruckverlauf. It proves to be advantageous in the inventive method, if the maximum blowing pressure from the interval of 1 bar to 12 bar is selected.

Ein Preform aus Polystyrol zur Herstellung eines Kunststoffbehälters, insbesondere eines Kunststoffflasche, in einem Streckblasverfahren weist einen starren, im wesentlichen länglichen Körper auf, der an seinem einen Längsende geschlossen ausgebildet ist und an seinem gegenüberliegenden Längsende an einen mit einer Ausgiessöffnung versehenen Halsabschnitt angrenzt. Der Körper des Preforms ist vorzugsweise durch einen radial abragenden, flanschartigen Supportring vom Körper getrennt. Der erfin- dungsgemässe Preform ist aus einem Polystyrol aus der Gruppe bestehend aus Po- lystyrol Homopolymer und Styrol Butadien Copolymer (HIPS) gefertigt und weist eine mittlere Wandstärke von 1.6 mm - 3.4 mm auf.A polystyrene preform for producing a plastic container, in particular a plastic bottle, in a stretch blow molding method has a rigid, substantially elongate body which is closed at one longitudinal end and adjoins at its opposite longitudinal end a neck portion provided with a pour opening. The body of the preform is preferably separated from the body by a radially projecting, flange-like support ring. The preform according to the invention is made of a polystyrene selected from the group consisting of lystyrene homopolymer and styrene butadiene copolymer (HIPS) and has an average wall thickness of 1.6 mm - 3.4 mm.

Polystyrol weist mit ca. 1.05 g/cm3 eine gegenüber PET deutlich geringere Dichte auf. Die Reduktion der mittleren Wandstärke des Preforms führt zu einer deutlichen Gewichtsreduktion bei vergleichbaren Eigenschaften des hergestellten Behälters, insbesondere einer Kunststoffflasche. Die relativ geringe mittlere Wandstärke des Preforms erweist sich von Vorteil hinsichtlich des Energiebedarfs für das Streckblasverfahren, indem der Preform schneller auf die für den Blas- und Reckvorgang erforderliche Temperatur (Glasumwandlungs-temperatur TG) gebracht werden kann. Wegen der geringen Wandstärke ist auch die Gefahr eines Temperaturgradienten von der Pre- formaussenseite zu seiner Innenseite deutlich verringert. Der Aufheizvorgang ist mit dem erfindungsgemässen Preform schneller durchführbar, und die Gefahr von lokalen Verkohlungen des Materials ist verringert. Preforms aus Polystyrol Homopolymer oder Styrol Butadien Copolymer (HIPS) zeichnen sich durch eine hohe Schlagfestigkeit aus. Sie sind nahezu glasklar (Polystyrol Homopolymer) und weisen, wenn überhaupt, nur eine geringe milchige Eintrübung auf (HIPS).At about 1.05 g / cm 3, polystyrene has a significantly lower density than PET. The reduction of the average wall thickness of the preform leads to a significant weight reduction with comparable properties of the container produced, in particular a plastic bottle. The relatively low average wall thickness of the preform proves to be advantageous in terms of the energy requirements for the stretch blow molding process by the preform can be brought faster to the required temperature for the blowing and stretching process (glass transition temperature TG). Due to the small wall thickness, the risk of a temperature gradient from the outside of the preform to its inside is also significantly reduced. The heating process can be carried out more quickly with the preform according to the invention, and the risk of local charring of the material is reduced. Preforms made of polystyrene homopolymer or styrene butadiene copolymer (HIPS) are characterized by a high impact resistance. They are almost crystal clear (polystyrene homopolymer) and have, if at all, only a slight milky cloudiness (HIPS).

Als Herstellverfahren kommt für den Preform ein Kunststoffspritzverfahren oder ein Fliesspressverfahren in Frage. Diese Verfahren sind mit anderen Kunststoffen bestens erprobt und eignen sich für eine grosstechnische Herstellung in hohen Stückzahlen.As a manufacturing process for the preform, a plastic injection molding or a flow molding process in question. These processes are well proven with other plastics and are suitable for large-scale production in large quantities.

Die Verwendung von Polystyrol als Material für die Preforms bietet auch die Möglichkeit des Schäumens. Durch das Schäumen werden nicht nur die Dichte des Materials und damit das Gewicht der Preforms reduziert. Geschäumte Preforms erlauben dieThe use of polystyrene as a material for the preforms also offers the possibility of foaming. Foaming not only reduces the density of the material and thus the weight of the preforms. Foamed preforms allow the

Herstellung von Kunststoffbehältern, deren Wandung einen Grossteil der einfallenden UV-Strahlung und des sichtbaren Lichts diffus streuen. Die aus geschäumtem Polystyrol bestehende Behälterwandung bildet eine sehr gute UV und Lichtbarriere. Dadurch sind aus geschäumtem Polystyrol hergestellte Kunststoffbehälter auch für die Aufbe- wahrung von licht- und strahlungsempfindlichen Produkten, wie z.B. Milch oder dergleichen, sehr gut geeignet. Die Wandung aus geschäumtem Polystyrol weist auch eine deutlich verringerte Wärmeleitfähigkeit auf. Dadurch bleiben in derartigen Kunststoffbehältern untergebrachte Produkte, beispielsweise Lebensmittel, länger frisch.Production of plastic containers whose walls diffuse a large part of the incident UV radiation and the visible light diffusely. Made of foamed polystyrene container wall forms a very good UV and light barrier. As a result, plastic containers made of foamed polystyrene are also very well suited for the storage of light- and radiation-sensitive products, such as milk or the like. The wall of foamed polystyrene has also a significantly reduced thermal conductivity. As a result, housed in such plastic containers products, such as food, stay fresh longer.

Ein weiterer Vorteil von aus geschäumtem Polystyrol bestehenden Preforms besteht darin, dass durch das Schäumen die Dichte des Styrols unter den Wert 1 g/cm3 gedrückt wird. Aus derartigen, geschäumten Preforms hergestellte Kunststoffbehälter können daher im sogenannten Sink Float Verfahren sehr leicht von PET-Behältern getrennt werden. Dies ist ökologisch sehr wünschenswert und erleichtert das Recycling der Kunststoffbehälter. Another advantage of foamed polystyrene preforms is that foaming reduces the density of the styrene below 1 g / cm 3 . Plastic containers produced from such foamed preforms can therefore very easily be separated from PET containers in the so-called sink float process. This is ecologically very desirable and facilitates the recycling of plastic containers.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims 1. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Kunststoff flasche bei dem ein aus Polystyrol hergestellter Preform erwärmt, in eine Formkavität einer Blasform einer Streckblasanordnung eingebracht und durch ein mit Überdruck eingeblasenes Gas gemäss der Formkavität der Blasform aufgeblasen und dabei durch einen Reckdorn verstreckt wird, und die fertig streckgeblasene Kunststoffflasche entformt wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Preform aus Polystyrol in die Formkavität eingebracht wird, der mit einer mittleren Wandstärke von 1.6 mm bis 3.4 mm hergestellt worden ist, und der Streckblasvorgang des Preforms bei einer Blastemperatur von 125°C bis 1400C durchgeführt wird.1. A process for producing a plastic bottle in which a preform made of polystyrene heated, introduced into a mold cavity of a blow mold of a stretch blown and inflated by an over-pressure gas blown according to the mold cavity of the blow mold and is stretched by a stretching mandrel, and the finished stretch blown Plastic bottle is demolded, characterized in that a preform made of polystyrene is introduced into the mold cavity, which has been produced with an average wall thickness of 1.6 mm to 3.4 mm, and the stretch blow molding of the preform at a blast temperature of 125 ° C to 140 0 C. becomes. 2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Preform aus einem Styrol aus der Gruppe bestehend aus Polystyrol Homopolymer und Sty- rol Butadien Copolymer (HIPS) hergestellt wird.2. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the preform is produced from a styrene selected from the group consisting of polystyrene homopolymer and styrene-butadiene copolymer (HIPS). 3. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Streckblasvorgang mit einem globalen Streckverhältnis von etwa 4 - 12 durchgeführt wird.3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stretch blow molding is carried out with a global draw ratio of about 4 - 12. 4. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Streckblasvorgang mit einem Längsstreckverhältnis von etwa 1 - 4 durchgeführt wird.4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stretch blow molding is carried out with a longitudinal stretching ratio of about 1-4. 5. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Streckblasvorgang mit einem radialen Streckverhältnis von etwa 1.5 - 4 durchgeführt wird.5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stretch blow molding is carried out with a radial draw ratio of about 1.5 - 4. 6. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Reckgeschwindigkeit grösser als 0.5 m/s gewählt wird. 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stretching speed greater than 0.5 m / s is selected. 7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass für die Reckgeschwindigkeit ein Wert aus dem Intervall von 0.5 m/s bis 2 m/ s gewählt wird.7. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that for the stretching speed, a value from the interval of 0.5 m / s to 2 m / s is selected. 8. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeich- net, dass der Streckblasvorgang mit einem Blasdruck aus dem Intervall von8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, marked thereby, that the stretch blow with a blowing pressure from the interval of 1 bar bis 12 bar gewählt wird.1 bar to 12 bar is selected. 9. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Preform aus geschäumtem Polystyrol verwendet wird.9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a preform made of foamed polystyrene is used. 10. Preform aus Polystyrol zur Herstellung Kunststoffflasche in einem Streckblasverfahren gemäss einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, welcher Preform einen starren, im wesentlichen länglichen Körper aufweist, der an seinem einen Längsende geschlossen ausgebildet ist und an seinem gegenüberliegenden Längsende an einen mit einer Ausgiessöffnung versehenen Halsabschnitt angrenzt, der vorzugsweise durch einen radial abragenden, flanschartigen Supportring vom Körper getrennt ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Preform aus einem Polystyrol aus der Gruppe bestehend aus Polystyrol Homopolymer und Styrol Butadien Copolymer (HIPS) gefertigt ist und eine mittlere Wand- stärke von 1.6 mm bis 3.4 mm aufweist.10. A preform made of polystyrene for producing plastic bottles in a stretch blow molding method according to one of the preceding claims, which preform has a rigid, substantially elongate body which is formed closed at its one longitudinal end and adjacent at its opposite longitudinal end to a provided with a pouring neck portion, which is preferably separated from the body by a radially projecting, flange-like support ring, characterized in that the preform is made of a polystyrene from the group consisting of polystyrene homopolymer and styrene butadiene copolymer (HIPS) and has an average wall thickness of 1.6 mm to 3.4 mm. 11. Preform nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass er nach einem Verfahren aus der Gruppe bestehend aus Kunststoff spritzen und Fliesspressen gefertigt ist.11. Preform according to claim 10, characterized in that it is injection molded by a method from the group consisting of plastic and extrusion molding is made. 12. Preform nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass er aus geschäumtem Polystyrol einer Dichte von weniger als 1 g/cm3 besteht.12. Preform according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it consists of foamed polystyrene having a density of less than 1 g / cm 3 . 13. Kunststoffbehälter, insbesondere Kunststoffflasche, hergestellt in einem Streck- blasverfahren aus einem Preform gemäss einem der Ansprüche 10 - 12. 13. plastic container, in particular plastic bottle, produced in a stretch blown from a preform according to any one of claims 10-12.
EP07724515A 2006-05-01 2007-04-24 Procedure for the manufacturing of a plastic container, preform for the manufacturing of a plastic container, and plastic container Not-in-force EP2012999B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH7112006 2006-05-01
PCT/EP2007/003585 WO2007124894A1 (en) 2006-05-01 2007-04-24 Procedure for the manufacturing of a plastic container, preform for the manufacturing of a plastic container, and plastic container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2012999A1 true EP2012999A1 (en) 2009-01-14
EP2012999B1 EP2012999B1 (en) 2011-04-20

Family

ID=36846974

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07724515A Not-in-force EP2012999B1 (en) 2006-05-01 2007-04-24 Procedure for the manufacturing of a plastic container, preform for the manufacturing of a plastic container, and plastic container

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2012999B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE506168T1 (en)
DE (1) DE502007006996D1 (en)
WO (1) WO2007124894A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2024052114A1 (en) 2022-09-09 2024-03-14 Sidel Participations Pet and/or rpet container for liquid or semi-liquid products commonly known as ldp or the like

Families Citing this family (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101546983B1 (en) 2007-08-02 2015-08-24 다우 글로벌 테크놀로지스 엘엘씨 Amphiphilic block copolymers and inorganic nanofillers to enhance performance of thermosetting polymers
CH699237B1 (en) * 2008-07-24 2011-07-15 Alpla Werke Plastic formulation and process for the production of plastic bottles in a two-stage stretch blow molding process.
EP2221340A1 (en) 2009-02-20 2010-08-25 Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy Blow molded containers made of vinyl aromatic polymer
US10647465B2 (en) 2010-11-12 2020-05-12 Niagara Bottling, Llc Perform extended finish for processing light weight ecologically beneficial bottles
US10829260B2 (en) 2010-11-12 2020-11-10 Niagara Bottling, Llc Preform extended finish for processing light weight ecologically beneficial bottles
US8956707B2 (en) 2010-11-12 2015-02-17 Niagara Bottling, Llc Preform extended finish for processing light weight ecologically beneficial bottles
US10118724B2 (en) 2010-11-12 2018-11-06 Niagara Bottling, Llc Preform extended finish for processing light weight ecologically beneficial bottles
US10023346B2 (en) 2012-12-27 2018-07-17 Niagara Bottling, Llc Swirl bell bottle with wavy ribs
JP6521634B2 (en) 2011-12-05 2019-05-29 ナイアガラ・ボトリング・エルエルシー Plastic container with ribs of varying depth
US11845581B2 (en) 2011-12-05 2023-12-19 Niagara Bottling, Llc Swirl bell bottle with wavy ribs
DE102012003219A1 (en) 2012-02-20 2013-08-22 Krones Ag Plastic container
BR112015015458A2 (en) 2012-12-27 2017-07-11 Niagara Bottling Llc plastic container with base attached
CH715202A1 (en) * 2018-07-25 2020-01-31 Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner Gmbh & Co Kg Stretch blow molding process for the production of a plastic container and plastic container produced in a stretch blow molding process.
MX2021001286A (en) 2018-07-30 2021-07-15 Niagara Bottling Llc CONTAINER PREFORM WITH THREADED FINISH EVIDENT TO IMPROPER HANDLING.
US11597556B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2023-03-07 Niagara Bottling, Llc Container preform with tamper evidence finish portion
US12139295B2 (en) 2021-03-12 2024-11-12 Niagara Bottling, Llc Container preform
LT7090B (en) 2024-02-05 2024-09-10 Uab Goltas CONTAINER FOR STORAGE OF SMALL THINGS AND METHOD OF FORMING IT

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3221954A (en) * 1963-06-11 1965-12-07 Haveg Industries Inc Blow molded foamed plastic container
GB1037115A (en) * 1964-05-12 1966-07-27 Owens Illinois Inc A method of making hollow plastic articles
GB1110703A (en) * 1964-07-08 1968-04-24 Dow Chemical Co Blow molding
US4595552A (en) * 1984-12-13 1986-06-17 Adolph Coors Company Injection mold gate apparatus
US6627278B1 (en) * 1998-11-30 2003-09-30 Fort James Corporation Injection blow-molded disposable tumbler and method of making same

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2007124894A1 *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2024052114A1 (en) 2022-09-09 2024-03-14 Sidel Participations Pet and/or rpet container for liquid or semi-liquid products commonly known as ldp or the like
FR3139555A1 (en) 2022-09-09 2024-03-15 Sidel Participations PET and/or rPET container for liquid or semi-liquid products commonly called LDP or similar

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2007124894A1 (en) 2007-11-08
DE502007006996D1 (en) 2011-06-01
ATE506168T1 (en) 2011-05-15
EP2012999B1 (en) 2011-04-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2012999B1 (en) Procedure for the manufacturing of a plastic container, preform for the manufacturing of a plastic container, and plastic container
EP2064039B1 (en) Parison and method for the production of plastics bottles
DE69429096T2 (en) MULTILAYERED PREFORMING FOR BLOW MOLDING AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF
EP2585264B1 (en) Preform for producing plastic containers in a stretch blow moulding process and method for producing the preform
CH699237B1 (en) Plastic formulation and process for the production of plastic bottles in a two-stage stretch blow molding process.
CH699063B1 (en) Preform for producing biaxially stretched plastic bottles and from the preform produced plastic bottle.
EP2987616B1 (en) Preform for producing a plastic bottle
DE212006000052U1 (en) Preform for PET bottles
CH706889A2 (en) Preform for producing plastic containers in a stretch blow molding.
WO2016124403A1 (en) Preform for producing a plastic container, production of the preform, plastic container produced from the preform, and production of the plastic container
WO2012095285A1 (en) Plastic container produced in a two-stage stretch blow-molding process and preform for the production thereof
EP1763427B1 (en) Plastic container having a handle part molded onto it, preform and method for producing said plastic container
DE3411905A1 (en) METHOD FOR PRODUCING HOLLOW BODIES FROM BIAXIAL RETURNED POLYPROPYLENE
DE2807949A1 (en) Transparent polyester returnable bottle for carbonated drinks - produced by multistep, biaxially drawing and blow-moulding a sectionally heated parison
DE19917916B4 (en) Process for producing a plastic bottle and bottle that can be produced therewith
CH700425B1 (en) Preform for plastic bottles or wide-necked vessels.
WO2004026560A1 (en) Device and method for injection blow-moulding containers, especially bottles made of plastic
CH706926A1 (en) Support ring-less preform for producing plastic containers e.g. polyethylene terephthalate bottles, in stretch blow molding process, has inner shoulder extending above groove and projecting into inner wall of preform body without under-cuts
EP4419432A1 (en) Reusable plastics container
DE202020100554U1 (en) Plastic screw cap for containers, in particular plastic containers and plastic container provided with a plastic screw cap
WO2002049830A2 (en) Method of producing matted surfaces on blow-molded hollow bodies
DE102017001026A1 (en) Hollow body and method for producing a hollow body
AT504952A1 (en) METHOD AND MOLDING DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A PREFORM FROM PLASTIC
CH698267B1 (en) Preform for plastic bottles.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20081031

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK RS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20090127

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 502007006996

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20110601

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502007006996

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110601

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20110420

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20110420

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: ALPLA WERKE ALWIN LEHNER GMBH & CO. KG

Effective date: 20110430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110822

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110731

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110820

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110721

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110430

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110430

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110430

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110430

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20120217

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20120123

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20110720

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110620

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502007006996

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120123

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: S28

Free format text: APPLICATION FILED

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: S28

Free format text: RESTORATION ALLOWED

Effective date: 20130214

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110424

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110720

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110420

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 20110720

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20170419

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20170419

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20170420

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 502007006996

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 506168

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180424

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20180424

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180424

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 20180424